Tsunami is caused due to volcanic eruptions, landslides, and earthquakes. Due to such disasters, a series of waves are created in the ocean that cross the shores and enter the villages and towns nearby causing havoc and destruction. When tsunamis strike they look like fast-moving water walls that create flood-like situations and keep on re-flooding the land for a long time.
However, it is always possible to minimize the risk and the following loss. On World Tsunami Awareness Day today, check out the important things you can do to minimise the loss.
Beware of the risk factors
If you live in the coastal areas then you must be aware of the risk factors that come along with it. Although not all the coastal lines have a history of tsunamis or earthquakes, there is always a possibility.
Keep an eye on alerts
Nowadays, in areas prone to earthquakes or floods, the weather department repeatedly updates the latest status through radio and television announcements. Whenever you feel that there is trouble brewing, just keep an eye on the alerts. They can be radio or television announcements or even messages directly sent by the concerned government bodies.
Stay in touch with evacuation communities
Areas prone to flood-like situations or natural calamities like tsunamis have communities that create awareness about natural disasters and also support evacuation whenever needed. You must stay in touch with such communities that also arrange programmes for educating more about how to deal with a tsunami crisis efficiently.
Move to higher grounds
Whenever there is an announcement regarding a tsunami, try to move higher from the ground level or inland immediately without spending time. Do not wait for someone to come to help you or for the officials to announce what to do.
Do not return until an official announcement
If a tsunami has hit your area and you have been safely evacuated do not try to return to your place immediately. Wait for the official announcement to ensure that the danger has passed. Importantly make sure that you are properly directed as the roads in between might be damaged or can collapse.
Never touch the floodwater
Never touch the floodwater as it may have sewage water mixed with it that carries bad bacteria and harmful chemicals and can cause problems to your health.
Do not touch open wires
More often during tsunamis trees and electricity poles fall and the electric wires are lying on the road or pavement. These are open wires and may carry current. Avoid touching these wires or they can be dangerous.